Bioinspired Design and Protyping

Are you curious how scientists draw inspiration from nature to solve real-world problems? In this program, you’ll dive into the exciting field of biodesign and engineering, discovering how the natural world sparks innovative solutions to human challenges. Together, we’ll investigate the science that lets geckos defy gravity, explore the design and capabilities of bioinspired robots, and create our own prototypes to address real-world needs. The program is based on—and offered in partnership with—Dr. Robert Full’s course in the Integrative Biology department, now available through Berkeley Engineering. You will gain skills and knowledge about bioinspired design while adding valuable experience to your college and career pathways.

By the end of the program, students will receive a UC Berkeley certificate of completion, publicly share their final projects, create or strengthen their LinkedIn profiles, and be invited to join the TRP LinkedIn group. This invite-only professional network connects participants with TRP peers and staff—from high school through college, graduate studies, postdoctoral work, and into their early careers—and can serve as a long-term support system designed to grow with them.

Parents are invited at 3 p.m. on the last day for teens to share their projects.